This plant has been consumed for millennia in Asia and England. It is widely used as a beverage and as an ingredient in Chinese medicine.
It has many benefits, but one should still be careful about how much one consumes…
Is green tea really beneficial to our health? Let’s find out.
The many health benefits of green tea
Green tea has many benefits that contribute to our good health:
- It contains a high level of antioxidants: a catechin present in this drink, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), helps lower bad cholesterol, aids in the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and helps fight certain cancers, such as esophageal and prostate cancer. It also slows the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
- It contains vitamin E to fight against skin aging.
- It helps burn fat, controls hyperglycemia, and is a valuable ally during diets. It helps with weight loss and feeling better in your body.
- It aids digestion related to meals
- It can be used against occasional headaches.
- It simulates the intellect and helps to concentrate: it increases memorization skills.
- It can be used as an antidote against failing eyesight or against food poisoning due to excessive alcohol consumption.
- It fights depression thanks to an amino acid: theanine, which has relaxing and soothing properties and allows the reduction of mental stress.
Researchers have demonstrated numerous health benefits, and green tea consumption is therefore recommended. However, in some cases and for some people, certain adverse effects should not be taken lightly.
Side effects of green tea
Certain components of green tea, such as caffeine, can cause undesirable effects. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lesser-known drawbacks of this beverage.
- Each variety of green tea has its own specific tannin and caffeine content, which can affect tolerance to these molecules to varying degrees. Green tea is not recommended for people with anemia or for pregnant women, as it reduces the body’s absorption of iron from food.
- When taking medication, some drugs should not be mixed with this beverage. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
- Irregular tooth brushing can promote the presence of tartar on dental plaque.
- Steeping tea for too long can increase its bitterness.
The side effects can be numerous for people sensitive to the absorption of this drink, such as: agitation, nervousness, insomnia, diuretic effects, a feeling of thirst or, for certain diseases, the accentuation of symptoms.
Which green teas should you prioritize to maintain good health?
Each variety of green tea, therefore, has its own caffeine content.
Teas with a high caffeine content, which should be consumed in moderation, include matcha, sencha, gyokuro, and tencha. Those with the lowest caffeine content include kukisha, karigane, and genmaicha.
When starting to drink green tea, it’s advisable to begin with low-caffeine varieties to allow your body to adjust. Then, depending on your specific needs, you can gradually increase your tea intake of higher-caffeine teas.
